Microsoft’s Nokia deal a step closer to reality, gets US DOJ approval

Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia’s devices and services division has reached another milestone, as the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has given its approval of the acquisition. Now, we await the European Union’s decision.

“We look forward to the date when our partners at Nokia will become members of the Microsoft family, and are pleased that the Department of Justice has cleared the deal unconditionally,” a Microsoft spokesperson stated.

Now that the DOJ has given their approval, Microsoft has to wait for the European Union to give their decision – which is rumored to take place December 4th. The EU will decide whether or not to clear the acquisition – which Microsoft will pay $7.2 billion to purchase Nokia’s devices and services division, along with a number of Nokia’s patents.

Microsoft remains optimistic and expects this acquisition to finalize by the first quarter of 2014.